President-Elect Lee Delivers New Year Message

President-elect Lee Myung-bak said on the last day of 2007, “Let’s work together to build a world-class nation and make 2008 our starting point.”

Lee said in his New Year’s message yesterday, “It is time for us to find a new path for our nation. It is a path that no one has taken before. I want to set out on this path together with all Koreans.”

After saying, “Let’s begin our efforts to make Korea an advanced nation by upholding our laws and public order,” he added, “Korea cannot become an advanced nation if it fails to abandon the evil practice of the past where laws, public order and principles were ignored to reap immediate outcomes and personal gains.”

Lee emphasized, “No one can be an exception in observing laws and public order, including the president, and they should also be cherished by homes, schools, companies and workers. Let’s not be swayed by mob sentiment or unreasonable persistence that goes against our principles."

He also said, “We can hardly expect to be perfect from the outset. We cannot improve the economy overnight. Although things look grim at the moment, there is a proper way to set them right. Let’s brace ourselves for the challenge.”

He went on to say, “We will see positive changes both in politics and business. I assure you that my new administration and I will set a good example.”

taylor55@donga.com